Hydro-Québec has a new program to help Québecois who would like to lower their utility bills and their fossil-fuel consumption at the same time. It’s called Dual Energy, and with it, residents can hope to access more affordable electricity rates and update their home’s heating system. Read on to learn more about the program.
What is dual energy?
Dual energy is using electricity as your home’s primary energy source during non-peak demand. During peak winter, when temperatures dip below -12°C, natural gas will be used as an auxiliary heating source to meet demand.
The dual energy program allows customers to get access to grants for upgrading their home’s heating system and adding an electric heat pump, even if they don’t immediately remove their old natural gas system. Residents are eligible for $5,500-$5,800 in grants from HVAC contractor bids.
Why should I inquire about dual energy?
Dual energy will allow customers to reduce their natural gas consumption by more than 70%. Québec’s electricity grid is roughly 94% hydroelectricity, and the province is home to some of the largest hydropower plants. So, reducing fossil-fuel dependence will go a long way to helping the province, and Canada as a whole, to meet their net-zero targets.
You will also get access to HydroQuébec’s Rate DT. Rate DT is a more affordable electricity rate available for those who use dual energy. So long as you use natural gas (or your other fossil-fuel source) during extreme cold spells to minimize pressure on demand, the average rate you pay for your electricity throughout the year will be lower than HydroQuébec’s first-tier rates.
Province-wide, for those who already use an exclusively electrical heating system, the widespread adoption of dual energy will lower electricity demand during winter peaks, driving electricity costs down. So, you still benefit even if you don’t have dual energy.
Who qualifies for the dual energy program?
Residential Énergir customers with a natural gas-powered forced air or hot water boiler heating system. These can be single-family detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, condos or rental buildings consisting of 4-19 units with separate heating systems.
Be warned, if you already have an electric or dual energy system, or you have completed similar upgrades prior to June 21, 2022, or you are not connected to Énergir’s natural gas network for at least 12 months prior to the work, you will not be eligible for the programs.
For the full list of conditions, visit the bottom of Énergir‘s page.
How can I take advantage of this program?
Simply contact Énergir, who will support you throughout your purchase. After your eligibility is determined, contractors will submit bids for work and the amount of financial assistance you can get. You can then book a work request with your contractor of choice, and they will install your new equipment on the agreed-upon dates.
When can I take advantage of this offer?
Residential customers can take advantage as of June 2022.
Commercial and industrial consumers can expect to have a similar offer to them available later in 2023 after receiving approval from the Régie de l’énergie.
